October 27, Colombo (LNW): Evin Lewis made a remarkable comeback to the ODI format, leading the West Indies to an emphatic eight-wicket win in the rain-interrupted third and final match against Sri Lanka.
After three years away from 50-over internationals, Lewis’s unbeaten century propelled the visitors to victory with six balls to spare, chasing a revised target of 195 at Pallekele Stadium.
The 32-year-old Trinidadian displayed resilience, shaking off an ankle injury to hit his fifth ODI century, which included nine boundaries and four sixes.
Lewis sealed the match in style, smashing a towering six off Asitha Fernando to finish with 102 runs off just 61 balls.
West Indies skipper Shai Hope praised his performance, remarking, “He’s an incredible player, and it’s fantastic to see him in top form again.”
Despite already losing the series 2-0, the West Indies salvaged pride with an explosive partnership between Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford, who scored his third successive half-century.
Together, they forged an unbroken 88-run stand, keeping calm under pressure even as the required rate climbed over 12 runs per over.
Sri Lanka, initially in control after setting a competitive 156-3 in their 23 overs, were let down by a series of fielding lapses, including dropped catches that could have shifted momentum back in their favour.
Captain Charith Asalanka expressed disappointment, saying, “We had a chance with 195 on the board, but we just didn’t execute well enough.”
Kusal Mendis gave the hosts a strong start, blasting his way to a rapid 19-ball fifty and taking advantage of loose deliveries from Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie.
He struck nine boundaries and a six, ending on an impressive 56 not out, while opener Pathum Nissanka contributed a steady 56 off 62 balls before a run-out by Alzarri Joseph halted his innings.
The match also saw a historic debut as 17-year-old Jewel Andrew became the youngest player to represent the West Indies in ODI cricket.
The visitors’ fielding issues, with four dropped catches, were a clear weakness, but Lewis’s dominant innings ensured a memorable victory to wrap up the series.
